Wendel Abel

Aunt Elma and Uncle Levi:

They have a zest for life. They keep themselves very active. They find time to entertain friends and family members. They find time to go on vacation. They are active in their church and they have an extensive support network of family and friends. They find time to visit persons who are sick, either at home or in hospital. Last year my aunt had a friend who was very ill, she took time out to be with that friend for almost a month and nursed her in her last months. What great spirits they are!

Aunt Flossie:

She is 99 years of age. She is very active in the Church, in fact she still preaches at least once per month. She prepares all her meals by herself and lives a very active life. She does light exercise every morning and finds time for friends and family. If there is a sick person in the village, be sure that she is among the first to be there. Every time I go to visit her, she always has a kind thought or a story to share. You would never visit her and leave feeling empty in your soul. At 99, she is alert with the greatest sense of humour. She is such a blessing.

Aunt Joyce:

I call her the super organiser. She planned her retirement with precision and ease. She is well into her 70s and she still has a part-time job and finds time to assist with her grandchild. She is always positive and upbeat and rarely does she ever complain. She has a zest for life and is constantly on the go!

Aunt Mavis:

She is ill as we speak. But she is always so pleasant and grateful. Over the Christmas, after discharge from the hospital, her nurse came to visit her one day and her response to the nurse was, "Thank you for coming and making my day great." I was moved! What an act of gratitude.

If we do not die early, we must get old. Ageing is a reality. I am learning from my older family members and friends that you can still lead a happy and active life. Some of the lessons I take from their lives are:

1. Keep alert and active: Keep yourself as active as you can. Do not withdraw yourself. Get involved in your community groups, church activities and maintain activity and structure to your life.

2. Use it or lose it. Keep your mind active and alert. Find time to read. Engage in games that will stimulate the mind and keep it active. Activities and games such as crossword puzzles, card games, dominoes and, for some persons, playing bridge can be very stimulating.

3 Maintain support groups of family, friends, neighbours and peer groups.

4 Exercise: This can be a challenge to some persons due to ill health and physical complaints such as arthritis, but you can indulge in light to moderate exercise on a regular basis. Exercise such as walking and gardening are great routines.

5 Diet: Pay attention to your diet. If you are overweight, eat a little less and exercise a little more. Reduce fat, sugar and salt in your diet. Have a more balanced diet and ensure that you increase your vegetable intake.

6 Cultivate optimism and hope: It is very easy to slip into a negative and complaining state. This does not help. When all around is slipping and sliding, look for the silver lining amid the clouds.

7 Find time to travel: Some persons may not be able to travel a lot due to ill health and safety concerns but others can get together in groups. You can have many exciting vacations around Jamaica. Travel to different parts of the country and enjoy life.

8 Take up a hobby: If you have not developed a hobby, try to develop one. Gardening is a favourite one. If you have a small area around the yard, start a garden today; it could be a herb or kitchen garden or some flowers.

Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.